Our sister site, FabShop Hop recently announced the winners of the March FabShop Hop. Three Grand Prize winners will each receive one of these fabulous prizes–a Brother sewing machine, a Perfect Caddy or 50 yards of fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics. The winners graciously agreed to share their thoughts on the fun of “Hopping,” getting “the call” about being a Grand Prize winner, their love of fabric, sewing and quilting and the importance of shopping independent fabric and quilt shops.

Today we’ll here from Carol from Ankeny, Iowa, who won the Brother sewing machine.

FabShop Hop Grand Prize winner Carol from Ankeny, Iowa is not only a skilled quilter, she also sewed the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses for her wedding!

Two of my aunts are avid quilters and finally talked me into trying it six years ago and I have been hooked ever since. I used to go to Aunt Lynda’s house and quilt with the group every Wednesday until I took a computer help desk job that only leaves my weekends free. I try to make two quilts a month and I donate them to various organizations. Currently I have four quilts I am working on to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser we are doing at work.

I have been participating in the FabShop Hops since October 2008. My favorite part of Hopping is seeing different shops and what they offer. I would not have found half the shops I now really like without the FabShop Hops. My most memorable discoveries while hopping have been finding a lot of free patterns and unique fabrics.

When I found out that I was a Grand Prize winner, I think I giggled for two hours before calling the sewing group and telling them. They are all going to try it now.

Shopping independent quilt shops is important to me because there are too few specialty stores around anymore. With these shops you can ask questions and get qualified answers—not just guesses. I have always received fast shipments and quick answers if there is a problem with the order. I recently ordered a quilt kit from a chain store and when I received it I found it was short four of the fabrics. When I contacted the company they were completely out of one of the fabrics and wanted to ship two of the same. I went back to my FabShop list and found the fabric they did not have, ordered and received it before I received the shipment from the chain store.

Thank you so much, Carol!

You can earn the chance to be a big winner like Carol, by registering for and participating in the April FabShop Hop. (Please take a minute to read the requirements for eligibility for the Grand Prize drawing.)

We’ll also hear from the other March winners over the next few days.

Are you a fan of the FabShop Hops? Connect with the Hops on Facebook and Twitter!

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Are you part of Martingale’s Super Stitcher program? If not, stop into your favorite shop and get a card to get started. This month, local quilt shops across the U.S. are offering double the stamps on Super Stitcher cards when you buy Martingale books. Collect nine stamps and get a free book! Check out their […]